At this point, it might be simpler to name the defensive free agents the Broncos are not trying to sign.
Denver, which has already acquired big-name help for its secondary in the form of Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward, and which is hosting pass rusher DeMarcus Ware today, is also hoping to add some help at middle linebacker.
Jon Beason and Daryl Smith are the two names the Broncos are considering in the middle, according to the Denver Post.
Beason shook off injuries that limited him to five games over two years in 2011 and 2012, earning a starting job with the Panthers and then starting 11 games for the Giants after he was traded early in the season. Although his experience and injury history might make it feel like he’s an old veteran at the end of his career, he’s only 29 and looked last season like he still has some good football left in him.
Smith was a second-round draft pick of the Jaguars in 2004 and played there until last year, when he signed a one-year contract with the Ravens. He started all 16 games and had three interceptions and five sacks.
Either Beason or Smith could provide an upgrade to the Broncos’ defense. Which has already been upgraded twice in the first 17 hours of free agency.